深度

• Pinyin: shēn dù
• Hanzi breakdown: 深 = 氵(water) + 穴 + 木 (deep); 度 = 广 + 廿 + 又 (degree)

Meaning

Depth; degree of depth; profundity.

Can refer to physical depth (of water, holes) or abstract depth (of understanding, analysis, relationship). Used in technical contexts (深度学习 - deep learning) and everyday speech. Implies thoroughness and going beyond the surface.

Examples

1. 这篇文章的分析很有深度，值得反复阅读。 The analysis in this article is very deep — it's worth reading repeatedly.
2. 水的深度已经超过三米，不会游泳的人不要下去。 The water depth has exceeded three meters — people who can't swim shouldn't go in.
3. 我们需要对这个问题进行深度调查。 We need to conduct an in-depth investigation into this issue.

Usage Guide

Context: analysis, measurement, technology

Tone: analytical

Do Say

• 这个话题需要深度讨论。(This topic needs in-depth discussion.)
• 测量一下水的深度。(Measure the depth of the water.)

Don't Say

• 我的深度很好 — 深度 describes things, not personal traits; use 深刻 for deep thinking ability

Origin & History

Compound of 深 (deep) + 度 (degree/measure), meaning the measure of how deep something is.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal